Good Luck Black Eyed Peas

It's long been considered a tradition, particularly in the South, to consume black eyed peas on New Year's Day as a symbol of good luck, wealth and general good fortune for the upcoming year. Hey, every bit of good luck helps and besides, black eyed pea dishes are generally hearty and stewlike--perfect for a wintertime meal.

Since it'll still be wintertime here for, oh, a few more days at least, and since January's not quite over, we've decided it's still good fortune to eat 'em. For more on the folklore of New Year's black eyed peas (apparently this tradition dates back to the Civil War and General Sherman) check out this link.

Here's one quick, inexpensive recipe that's easily thrown in a crockpot to fill your home with its lucky aroma while you're at work, watching football, or hiking on a crisp Arizona January day.

Fry bacon in large frying pan, drain excess fat. Leave small amt. in pan for sautéing onion and garlic. Place chopped onion in pan and sauté until clear then add garlic and sauté for last 2 minutes.

Place cooked bacon pieces, onion/garlic mixture, black eyed peas, tomatoes, broth and spices in crock pot (or large stockpot) and cook on low for at least 2 hours or until good luck charms are fully activated.